NORTHWICH Victoria rescued a point as they came back from behind against AFC Wolverhampton City at the Apec Taxis Stadium in Runcorn.
Table-toppers Vics trailed 2-0 at the break but goals from Harry Davis and Jefferson Abreu from the penalty spot gave them a share of the spoils before centre-half Matt Harrison was sent off.
Several opportunities created before the visitors struck failed to bring about a goal for Vics, who handed a debut to Jeanny Leblanc-Akpo off the bench after his signing on dual registration from Warrington Rylands.
Will Lloyd was denied by a save and then the rebound effort was cleared off the line in the second minute.
A-Jay Leitch-Smith was unable to find the goal when he turned and fired from inside the area, with the keeper saving.
Five minutes later Vics were forced into a change when Leitch-Smith left the field injured, with Kieran Hamm entering the action.
Wolverhampton, fifth in the Midland League Premier Division, took the lead when a Luke Ward free-kick found the top corner in the 29th minute.
Soon after, Andre Mendes got down low to make a fine save and Abreu had an effort tipped over the bar as Vics countered.
It was from a City quick break that Luqman Wirba rounded Mendes and placed the ball into an empty net for 2-0 after 38 minutes.
Harry Davis gave Vics, playing their first game since Boxing Day, a way back into the contest when he brought down a corner delivery and volleyed home in the 52nd minute.
Mendes kept Vics in it when he tipped over a goal-bound effort a few minutes before Vics were awarded a penalty for handball.
Abreu’s spot kick levelled matters but Vics were unable to dig out a winner and in the 85th minute had their hopes dashed somewhat when they were reduced to 10 men due to Harrison’s second yellow card.
Vics hold a five-point lead at the top over nearest rivals Hanley, who play their game in hand at home to 1874 Northwich on Tuesday.
Next match for Vics is at home to Romulus next Saturday.
Meanwhile, Winsford United stayed 10th in the division thanks to a 3-1 home success against 12th-placed Tividale.
Blake Robinson put the hosts ahead in the 14th minute, being in the right place at the right time after Matty Birchall's initial effort was pushed out by the keeper into his path.
Ten minutes later Tividale equalised with a good strike but it was a misplaced clearance that played them in.
Blues regained the line in the 33rd minute when Kal Boyle reacted quickest to put the ball over the line after it had ricocheted around the box.
And it was Boyle who hit the nail in the coffin when he sent a free-kick flying past the keeper midway through the second half.
Winsford return to action away to South Liverpool in the FA Vase next Saturday.
